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Physiology is a subfield of biology that focuses on the study of human body function, including how major processes work together at the cellular and molecular level to maintain homeostasis. Systems physiology involves learning about the organs within the various systems of the body. Although the primary focus of systems physiology is on function, frequent references are made to the anatomy of individual organs, which is important for understanding the function of the individual structures.

This unit will explore how organ systems, organs, cells and bio-molecules carryout specific functions in the human system. It will also focus on the structure and function of blood; the cardiovascular and respiratory systems; the processes involved in excretion of wastes from the body; the significance and maintenance of acid-base and fluid balance. Students will learn how individual systems work and in synchrony with each other e.g. the neural control of cardiovascular response to maintain heart rate and blood pressure. This is of particular importance when discussing disturbances that occur in normal function as a result of a physiological challenge or in disease states.